CLEVELAND, OH - The Cleveland Indians today acquired RHP JUAN SALAS from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league INF ISAIAS VELASQUEZ. To make room on the 40-man roster for Salas, the Indians designated INF ANDY MARTE for assignment.

Salas, 30, who was designated for assignment by the Rays on February 13, spent nearly the entire 2008 season with AAA Durham, posting a record of 4-5 with a 2.62 ERA and 1 save in 28 appearances (44.2IP, 32H, 13R/ER, 11BB, 53K, .201 avg against) out of the bullpen for the Bulls. He also made 5 appearances (6.1IP, 5H, 5R/ER, 4BB, 8K) with the Rays over two different stints.

Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Devil Rays in 1998 as an infielder, Salas was
converted to a relief pitcher in 2004 and owns a career Major League record of 1-1 with a 4.44 ERA (52.2IP, 54H, 31R/26ER, 24BB, 42K, .255 avg. against) in 47 appearances. In 2007, he made 34 appearances with Tampa going 1-1 with a 3.72 ERA (36.1IP, 36H, 19R/15ER, 17BB, 26K, .248 avg. against). In 2006, Salas participated in the Future's Game for the World Team and was named to Baseball America's All-Minor League Team as well as awarded MiLB.com's Minor League Reliever of the Year. In his career at the Minor League level he is 13-7 with a 2.54 ERA and 20 saves (187.2IP, 134H, 66R/53ER, 77BB, 223K) in 135 appearances.

Salas will wear #47.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.